Pope Francis Responds to Vance’s Use of Catholic Concept in Immigration Debate

In a recent letter to U.S. bishops, Pope Francis addressed his concerns over the immigration policies of the Trump administration, particularly the president’s focus on mass deportations.

At the same time, the pope seemed to take issue with Vice President JD Vance’s use of a Catholic principle called “ordo amoris” in the ongoing immigration discussion.

Vance’s Interpretation of ‘Ordo Amoris’

In an interview at the end of January, Vance, a Catholic, invoked the term “ordo amoris” — a traditional Christian concept — to explain his stance on immigration.

He suggested that people should prioritize their compassion, first for their family, then for their fellow citizens, and only after that for the rest of the world.

“You love your family, and then you love your neighbor, and then you love your community, and then you love your fellow citizens in your own country, and then after that you can focus and prioritize the rest of the world,” Vance explained.

Pope Francis’ Response to Migration Issues

Pope Francis wrote to the U.S. bishops on February 10, arguing that a true “rule of law” is shown in the way we treat all people with dignity, especially the poor and marginalized.

He acknowledged that immigration policies must be structured but emphasized that they should not come at the expense of the dignity of vulnerable individuals.

The pope cautioned against policies that favor some over others, saying, “Christian love is not a concentric expansion of interests that little by little extend to other persons and groups.

” He further stated that the human person should not be seen merely as an individual expanding their compassion but as a subject with dignity.

This dignity is revealed through relationships with all people, especially the most vulnerable.

The pope then referenced the “good Samaritan” parable, urging a love that fosters a fraternity open to all, without exceptions.

According to Pope Francis, this true “ordo amoris” involves constantly meditating on the Samaritan’s actions, showing love that transcends borders and barriers.

Defining ‘Ordo Amoris’

The term “ordo amoris,” or “rightly-ordered love,” is a well-established principle in Catholic teaching.

Dominican Father Pius Pietrzyk explained that while it is widely accepted, its application can be complex and subject to debate.

St. Augustine first introduced the concept, arguing that a righteous life involves properly directing one’s affections—loving what should be loved and loving it in the right order.

St. Thomas Aquinas further built on this idea, explaining that one should love God first, followed by oneself and then others. For Aquinas, love should be proportionate to the relationship, with more intense affection reserved for those most closely related, such as family.

While Aquinas acknowledged that certain relationships require immediate attention (e.g., a parent caring for their child), he also noted that in certain urgent situations, one might need to prioritize helping a stranger over a close family member.

A Global Debate on Immigration and Compassion

Vice President Vance’s use of “ordo amoris” to defend the Trump administration’s controversial immigration policies sparked widespread debate.

Some Catholic figures took issue with his interpretation, while others—such as theologians and philosophers—offered their support.

In response, Father Raymond de Souza, writing for the National Catholic Register, argued that Pope Francis is not advocating for open borders but rather condemns the “closing of the heart” to immigrants.

The pope insists that even those who are deported or denied entry must be treated with dignity.

De Souza also pointed out that Pope Francis may have addressed Vance’s remarks because of their harsh criticisms of the U.S. bishops’ refugee programs, which were unfairly accused of being motivated by profit.

In all, Pope Francis’ message remains clear: as Catholics, we must prioritize love and dignity for all, especially the most vulnerable, and we are called to build bridges, not walls, in our communities.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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